* Climate: cold winters, hot summers, abundant rainfall

* Geography: rocky soil, many rivers, forests

* Most directly affected: agriculture, fishing, shipbuilding

Middle Colonies

* Climate: moderate winters, hot summers, abundant rainfall

* Geography: fertile soil, many rivers, forests

* Most directly affected: agriculture, trade

Southern Colonies

* Climate: hot summers, mild winters, abundant rainfall

* Geography: fertile soil, many rivers, forests

* Most directly affected: agriculture, slavery

Western Colonies

* Climate: cold winters, hot summers, little rainfall

* Geography: mountains, deserts, forests

* Most directly affected: mining, ranching, farming